Spring Training games officially get underway at 10:00am this morning as Roger Dorn Baseball League Front Offices begin their evaluation of players in preparation for the 2023 Draft. There are only three games on the schedule today before a full slate over the weekend. Despite the slow start, there are still plenty of storylines to follow on Friday.
Masataka Yoshida US Debut
Yoshida will be one of several regulars to take part in the Red Sox's traditional kickoff to spring action against the Northeastern Huskies. Several members of the team will be leaving soon for the World Baseball Classic, so manager Alex Cora wants to give them at-bats before leaving camp. Of note, Yoshida will bat cleanup Friday, but he is expected to serve as Boston's leadoff hitter during the regular season.
Yoshida enters Spring Training as one of the biggest names to watch for RDBL Front Offices as they plan for the 2023 Auction. His appeal to the Red Sox, who signed him to a five-year, $90 million deal, likely centered around his ability to make contact. Across seven NPB seasons, the outfielder struck out just 9.4 percent of the time and hit .327. Those numbers were even better last year, when he rode an 8.1 K% to a .335/.447/.561 slash line and helped the Orix Buffaloes to a title. That contact ability should help him produce a solid or better average against MLB pitching, but whether he'll do enough else to live up to that free agent contract remains a question, as he offers very little with his glove and legs. His outstanding on-base ability could get him there, as he finished second among qualified NPB hitters in both strikeout rate and walk rate (15.7%) last season. He also has decent enough power, averaging 22 homers across the last five years, but it's possible he is more of a 10-to-15 homer guy against MLB pitching. His contract guarantees him significant playing time early on with Boston, but his Spring numbers could be a big driver in the contract he secures on Draft Day.
Triston Casas Begins Quest for Activation
Casas was a big storyline this week due to his unusual pregame routines which including sunbathing in the outfield and a pregame nap which caused a stir in the Red Sox clubhouse last season. The slugging first baseman will turn his focus back between the lines on Friday as he looks to prove to the Maltese Falcons Front Office that he's ready to be activation. The club appears inclined to hold off on promoting Casas, but a big Spring could sway them according to sources.
Xander Bogaerts Padres Debut
The Clovers swung a big deal Thursday, landing third baseman Nolan Arenado who strengthened a light group of Keepers on offense for GM Chris Shelley. Arenado will join Xander Bogaerts as key forces at the plate with Bogaerts set to make his Padres debut Friday after signing a 13-year deal with San Diego this Winter.
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